MEET THE TEAM

  • A woman with short gray hair smiling, wearing large sunglasses, earrings, and a patterned dress, standing in front of a lush green leafy background.

    Maria Marsh

    MANAGER

    I have worked in the social services sector in Kirikiriroa for many years co-ordinating Parenting programmes, Emergency housing, Foster Care, Supervised Access, Homestays, Professional Development, Personal assistance and Administration.

  • A woman with dark skin and shoulder-length black dreadlocks wearing a black dress with blue and purple floral patterns, smiling against a plain off-white wall.

    Edith Juma

    FINANCIAL MENTOR & FINANCIAL LITERACY FACILITATOR

    I'm Edith, a certified Financial Mentor and Financial Literacy Facilitator at Desert Spring since 2019. With over a decade of experience as an accountant and running my own business, I bring a wealth of knowledge to helping clients manage their money better and get out of debt.

  • A woman with blonde hair, fair skin, and a floral dress, smiling outdoors in front of green leaves, wearing a green heart-shaped pendant necklace.

    Stevie Cope

    FINANCIAL MENTOR

    I am a qualified Financial Mentor with a passion for helping individuals achieve their financial goals—whether it's breaking free from debt, saving for a significant purchase, or gaining awareness of the resources and support available in the community.  My aim is to empower people to live their healthiest, most financially secure lives. Te Puna Waiora, with its genuine focus on community empowerment, aligns perfectly with my values and mission.

  • A middle-aged man with gray hair, glasses, and a friendly smile, wearing a black and white checkered short-sleeve shirt, sitting against a plain light-colored wall.

    Graham Driver

    FINANCIAL MENTOR

    I have been a Financial Mentor at Te Puna Waiora Desert Spring Ministries Trust since March 2017 and I currently work two days per week. I really enjoy supporting our whanau in a wide variety of ways relating to finances. I particularly enjoy advocating for whanau when appropriate, especially where I believe they have been financially abused.

  • A woman with short gray hair, round glasses, and a black shirt smiling in front of green leafy plants and white flowers.

    Beatriz Hardy

    MAARA KAI (COMMUNITY GARDEN) FACILITATOR

    I am passionate about growing food and habitat restoration, so working at Te Puna Waiora, running Maara Kai and facilitating workshops for the community is a dream come true.

  • A smiling elderly man with short grey hair, wearing a short-sleeved, button-up plaid shirt, standing against a plain beige wall.

    David Barrowclough

    GRANTS & FUNDING OFFICER

    For over 20 years, I’ve worked for NZ charities, focussing on fundraising and compliance.

    I’m passionate about helping lift communities out of inequity and making a positive difference.

  • A woman with long black hair wearing a pink blouse, standing in front of green leafy bushes.

    Jenna Waho

    FINANCIAL MENTOR, HEALTHY HOMES ADVISOR & LEARNER DRIVER LICENCE FACILITATOR

    I'm fortunate to be a part of a great team and work environment that provides support for Whānau in the community.

  • A woman sitting at a desk with a keyboard, holding a pen, wearing a headset, and smiling, in an office setting with orange walls and organized paper trays.

    Wendee Dewes

    RECEPTIONIST & LEARNER DRIVER LICENCE FACILITATOR

    After 35 years in the music industry I took up a new challenge at Te Puna Waiora to serve the community as the frontline receptionist and Learner Driver Licence facilitator.

    I love meeting new people and welcoming them to our Whare.

  • A woman with long black dreadlocks, glasses, and earrings, smiling, wearing a bright red dress with pink floral patterns, standing in front of green leafy plants.

    Margie Tuza

    ADMINISTRATOR

    I have held administrative roles across various sectors, including health, education, and local government. I am passionate about streamlining processes, providing professional executive support, and project management.

    I love working at Te Puna Waiora, the mahi we do to serve our community is very gratifying.

  • An elderly man with glasses and a bald head smiling, wearing a beige jacket and white shirt, standing in front of green leafy plants.

    Dr. Paul Wood

    TE REO MAORI FACILITATOR

    I am well qualified as a teacher and a speaker of Te Reo, familiar with Te Reo ā-NgāPuhi, Te Reo ā-Ngāti Porou, and Te Reo ā-Waikato-Tainui, and some knowledge of old Te Reo.

OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

  • A portrait of an older woman with short, curly gray hair, wearing glasses and a colorful floral-patterned blouse, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Jo Waugh

    CHAIRPERSON

    As the Chairperson of the Desert Spring Ministries Trust, I am responsible for leading board meetings, ensuring effective governance, and representing the organisation externally.

    I have been a full time Mum, registered Land Surveyor, run a lifestyle block raising calves and sheep  and worked as a Learning Assistant tutor for Adult students with disabilities.


    I have also experienced life on a benefit after the death of my husband. I am currently on the leadership team at Discovery Christian Centre, Hamilton, NZ

  • A middle-aged man with gray hair, a full beard, and glasses, wearing a light-colored button-up shirt, standing in front of a plain light-colored wall.

    John Dale

    SECRETARY

    I serve as the Secretary of the Desert Spring Ministries Trust, handling administrative tasks, managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and maintaining organizational records.

    I play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and efficient communication within the organisation.

  • A woman with dark hair pulled back, smiling, wearing a red blazer over a dark top, and a spiral pendant necklace, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Stephanie Chernishov

    TRUSTEE

    Ko Tangata Tiriti te iwi,
    Ko Titahi Bay tōku ūkaipō,
    Nō Kotiana me Ingarangi ōku tūpuna,
    Nō Ruhia me Kotiana ngā tūpuna o tāku tāne.

    I have worked with nonprofits for over 30 years in varied roles; teacher, facilitator, research associate, project manager, in finance and administration, as a trustee, and as acting manager at Te Puna Waiora in 2015.

    I am currently employed by the Te Weu Charitable Trust as Business Coordinator, as well as participating in a range of environmental and social community initiatives. I have a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours and have completed courses in community development, business, and communication. 

  • A young woman with long wavy brown hair, smiling and winking, wearing a white top, with her arms crossed against a plain white background.

    Madison Jeffrey

    TRUSTEE

    I joined the DSMT board in February 2025. While I am now based out in Morrinsville, I previously lived in Fairfield and attended Fairfield College. Otherwise, I spent my time growing up in Turkey with my family.

    I now work as a lawyer at a local firm in Hamilton.